Today marks #WorldYouthSkillsDay and at #Devro we are invested in empowering our apprentices by providing the necessary skills and training to thrive in the workplace. Christopher Hill joined #Devro as an apprentice in 2010 and his journey so far has been impressive. His hard work and dedication has seen him progress from apprentice to maintenance manager. He’s what Chris had to say about joining Devro as an apprentice: Working within Devro has provided me with many career opportunities, I left school at 17 and successfully secured a multi-skilled engineering #apprenticeship in 2010. The apprenticeship within Devro had a great reputation and I was impressed with the proposed structure for learning on site and the educational structure that was part of the apprenticeship. Once I had completed the apprenticeship, I had successfully achieved a HNC in both Mechanical and Electrical engineering as well as an SVQ level 3 multi-skilled apprenticeship in Mechanical and Electrical engineering. The apprenticeship provided the opportunity to both earn and learn at the same time within a reputable business with exciting career prospects. Once qualified as a multi-skilled engineer I continued my learning on continental shifts where I began to gain experience of the manufacturing site and the various systems within it. This was great experience for a young engineer as there was a mixture of modern and older technologies that provided a lot of learning at the time. I moved into a Team Leader position within the Maintenance department in 2018 and began to manage teams. Devro have always promoted further education internally for employees who want to better themselves and progress their learning. I spoke to my line manager at the time about completing an Electrical Engineering degree on a part time day release course. Devro agreed to support me in my venture to complete a degree and paid the four years of funding that was required. Devro supported me throughout the duration of the course and purchased the relative books and equipment required. I successfully achieved an Honors’ Degree in Electrical Power systems in 2021 and graduated later that year. At the end of 2022 Devro advertised for a Deputy Maintenance manager’s position, I applied for this role and was successful. My previous experience gained within the business along with the degree I had achieved helped to ensure I was successful with my application. Within my new role I oversee a large maintenance budget and manage a department of 38 personnel. I feel Devro as an employer has been supportive and has ensured that there is a plan for progression and further learning. I have recently completed a Nebosh General Certificate in Health and Safety which was funded and supported by Devro. Moving forward I hope to complete a master’s degree and become a Chartered Engineer, I have spoken to my current line manager, and this is something that Devro are keen to support in the future.
James Beegan
2mo
Well done Christopher 👍👍 Jim Beegan. Ret.maintenance electrician.
Congratulations Chris.🎉🎉🎉🎉
What an achievement!
Great achievement buddy. All the hard work and dedication over the years is starting pay off! Onward and upwards!